Bambelela's Three Years And 50 Days To Freedom Initiative

On December 8, 2009, a dedicated team of five humans journeyed with twenty-eight rehabilitated Vervet monkeys to a lush riverbank at Safarilands Nature Reserve.

The monkeys were about to be set free! Many of the monkeys have heart-wrenching stories: abandoned, orphaned, injured, mistreated, abused. They and their caregivers struggled and fought for their lives for about three years and now the Vervets would be returned to the wild.

Exciting, but not without new dangers: a crocodile infested river, a wild troop to contend with, foraging for their own food, learning to make it on their own. With the exception of one younger female, it has been a triumph. She, Ellie, came back to Bambelela to be safe.

Dedicated Bambelela team members who live with the monkeys all year round deserve the lion’s share of the credit. Volunteers come from around the world to work with these creatures; all have played a part in the success of this mission. Staff, student or volunteer, it means so much to each person involved that her she has contributed to the conservation of this species and to the rehabilitation of the individual monkeys. It has been worth all the scratches, nips, and bites.

Special thanks go to Shane and Riaan, who have stayed at the release site for the duration of the release. We are also grateful to Antoinette, who lent us her trap and travel cages, driving her Bakkie (pick-up truck) and trailer, helped with catching and transporting the troop of monkeys.

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